Are you still looking for something to do this Mandela Day? Why not learn a skill that can potentially save lives in future?

Netcare, in collaboration with the Robben Island Museum is inviting the public to join the staff at Robben Island and attend cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training.

There is no cost to the public for this training, so why not join in for a couple of hours at this historic landmark and learn how to save a life.

“By learning basic first aid including CPR, anyone can make a significant contribution to society because you never know when someone’s life may depend on these skills,” says Amanda Klette, Netcare’s trauma programme manager in the Western Cape.

“To honour Mandela Day this year, the 18th of July 2023, the teams from Netcare and Netcare 911 are hosting CPR training sessions both on Robben Island, as well as in the Robben Island Auditorium at the V&A Waterfront. The CPR training takes a little more than 67 minutes, yet investing just two hours of your day will empower you with this important lifesaving technique for the rest of your life.”

Robben Island Museum staff will also be joining in the training, which takes place between 9am and 3pm on the day.

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This initiative kicks off an exciting weekend of national CPR training in the park on the 23rd and 24th of July.

In honour of Nelson Mandela, Netcare emergency department staff have identified parks in their communities where they will teach CPR to the public.

“If a person’s heart stops beating, such as in the case of a heart attack, and if the person isn’t breathing, CPR should ideally begin immediately until emergency medical practitioners arrive,” says Dayne Olsen, Netcare 911 operations manager.

“Early recognition of cardiac arrest, the activation of appropriate emergency medical services and early CPR are crucial elements in the chain of survival. The activation of Netcare 911 by calling 082 911 or via the Netcare mobile app panic button, will allow our emergency operations centre to provide real time guidance on CPR for adults, children, and babies. CPR is the foundation for securing the best possible outcomes and chances of survival,” he says.

“As Netcare 911, we therefore encourage everyone to join us for this informative event so that if you are ever faced with an emergency requiring CPR, you will be equipped to save a life. In the words of Madiba: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world’,” Olsen concludes.

Mandela Day Netcare CPR workshop details:

Venues: Robben Island Museum and the Robben Island Auditorium on the V&A Waterfront.

Date: Tuesday, 18 July 2023

Time: 9am to 3pm, sessions are two hours